SHOEMAKER'S 

BEST SELECTIONS 

For Redwding[s and Recitdwtions 

Nos. I to 27 Now Issued 

Paper Binding, each number, - - - 30 cents 
Cloth •• .... ... 50 cents 

Teachers, Readers, Students, and all persons who 
have had occasion to use books of this kind, concede 
this to be the best series of speakers published. The 
different numbers are compiled by leading elocution- 
ists of the country, who have exceptional facilities for 
securing selections, and whose judgment as to their 
merits is invaluable. No trouble or expense is spared 
to obtain the very best readings and recitations, and 
much material is used by special arrangement with 
other publishers, thus securing the best selections 
from such American authors as Longfellow, Holmes, 
Whittier, Lowell, Emerson, Alice and Phoebe Cary, 
Mrs. Stowe, and many others. The foremost Eng- 
lish authors are also represented, '»s well as the 
leading French and German writers. 

This series was formerly called 'The Elocution- 
ist's Annual," the first seventeen numbers being pub- 
lished under that title. 

While the primary purpose of these books is to 
supply the wants of the public reader and elocution- 
ist, nowhere else can be found such an attractive col- 
lection of interesting short stories for home reading. 

Sold by all booksellers and newsdealers, or mailed 
upon receipt of price. 

The Penn Publishing Company 

923 Arch Street, Philadelphia 



RIVERSIDE FARM 



A Comedy in Three Acts 



BY 



THOMAS LITTLEFIELD MARBLE 

Author of "WON BY WIRELESS." "THE HESSIAN." etc. 




PHILADELPHIA 

THE PENN PUBLISHING COMPANY 

1910 






Copyright 19 io by The Penn Publishing Company 



Bi.,rria.F.m © CI, D 22904 



Riverside Farm 



CAST OF CHARACTERS 

Titus Trent . President of the National Paper Company 

Maurice Van Dekzee His nepheiv 

Harry Lothrop ^ ^i^^^ engineer 

Zenas Bradley Postmaster at Spruceville 

Elisha Dinsmore A dispenser of news 

Miss Lavinia Battles . . Owner of Riverside Farm 

Lucy Ray Her niece 

Matilda Bradley Z.enas' daughter 



SYNOPSIS 



Act I —The village store and post-office at Spruceville. 
A summer morning. The arrival of the aeroplane. 

Act II.— The home of Miss Lavinia. Afternoon, two 
days later. A game of checkers. , 

Act III.— Miss Lavinia's garden. Next mormng. Cupid 
forms a trust. 

Time in Representation : — Two hours. 



Note.— This play is published for amateur use only. Professionals 
are forbidden to use it except upon permission of the author, who may 
be addressed in care of the publishers. 



COSTUMES 

Titus Trent. Act I. Costume appropriate for avia- 
tion. Act II. Frock coat, with carnation in buttonhole ; 
light trousers, patent leather shoes. Act III. Light sum- 
mer suit, straw hat ; carries walking stick. 

Maurice Van Derzee. Act I. Costume appropriate 
for aviation. Act II. Fashionable costume of white flan- 
nel. Act III. Light summer suit, straw hat. 

Harry Lqthrop. Costume appropriate for the rough 
outdoor work of a civil engineer. 

Zenas Bradley. Act I. Dark trousers and waistcoat, 
blue drilling shirt ; no coat. Acts II and HI. Same cos- 
tume with coat. 

Elisha Dinsmore. Blue trousers and waistcoat, long 
linen duster; old-fashioned straw hat with broad brim, such 
as is worn in the hay field. 

Miss Lavinia Battles. Act I. Elaborate costume of 
figured silk, somewhat quaint and old-fashioned, but not at 
all ludicrous ; wears mitts, and carries small brilliantly col- 
ored parasol. Acts II and III. Light summer gowns. 

Lucy Ray. Act I. Light summer gown, gloves and 
parasol. Act II. Gown of white muslin or other material 
appropriate for a summer afternoon. Act III. Gingham 
dress, long checkered apron or pinafore, sunbonnet. 

Matilda Bradley. Light summer gowns. 



PROPERTIES 

Act I. Stick and jack-knife for Elisha. Letter for Miss 
Lavinia. 

Act II. Checker-board and checkers for Miss Lavinia 
and Trent. Letter, book and card for Zenas. Telegrams 
for Van Derzee and Lothrop. Deed and stock certificate 
for Miss Lavinia. Check-book for Trent, 

Act IlL Basket of apples and apple-paring for Lucy. 
Telegram for Lothrop. Letter for Zenas. 

4 



ARGUMENT 

In constructing a new mill, the National Paper Company 
finds it necessary to obtain a certain farm owned by Miss 
Lavinia Battles of Spruceville. Titus Trent, the president 
of the National Paper Company, anticipating Miss Lavinia's 
hostility to the new enterprise, secretly sells his controlHng 
interest in the company before public knowledge of Miss 
Lavinia's opposition has caused the price of the stock to 
decline. 

Hoping to overcome Miss Lavinia's objections and then 
repurchase the majority stock at the lower price, Trent comes 
to Spruceville in his aeroplane. Miss Lavinia, influenced 
by disparaging remarks which Trent has made about her 
business sagacity, determines to outwit him if possible. 
With this idea in mind, she quietly secures control of the 
National Paper Company, and then sells her farm to Trent 
as agent for the corporation. 

Trent, elated at his success, endeavors at once to buy 
back his stock only to find himself at the mercy of Miss 
Lavinia. At this point Cupid takes a hand in the con- 
troversy, and all ends harmoniously. 



Riverside Farm 



ACT I 

The Arrival of the Aeroplane 
orFNF —Interior of a coimtry store and post-office. 

posed to lead to up-stairs apartment. 
(At rise of curtain, Zen as Bradley /. discovered back of 
^counter! sorting mail. Elisha Dinsmore ts seated on a 
box, L. C, whittling.) 

(^Enter Lucy Ray, c. She pauses in doorway.) 
Lucy. Good-morning, Mr. Bradley. Is Aunt Lavinia 

'"Ienas iheartilyX Hello, Lucy 1 Come right m^ Your 
Aunt Laviny? {Shakes his head.) No, I am t 

-"""^^^ing forward). You }^^\^ ^^ 
promised to meet me here at ten o clock. Possibly she s 
been delayed at Lawyer Holcombe s. 

(Elisha stops whittling, and looks up eagerly.) 
Zenas. Like enough, m' dear ; H^^e enough- They do 
say as how the law's amazin' slothful. {Cordially.) 
ye step up-stairs an' see Matildy ? 

Lucy Why, yes, thank you ; I thmk I will. 



8 RIVERSIDE FARM 

it — an' so's her ma, too, for that matter. They allow they'd 
like a brand new house an' all the fixm's. But I tell 'em to 
wait till the paper mill's built. Things'U be boomin' then, 
an' we can afford a whole lot o' frills with a clear conscience. 

Elisha {liisgustedly). Huh ! Mebbe there ain't goin' 
to be no mill. 

Zen AS. There, 'Lisha, stop your croakin'. If ye' re 
bound to be a prophet, jest look on the bright side o' things 
for a while. 

Lucy {approvingly'). That's a splendid philosophy, Mr. 
Bradley. 

Zenas. Wall, as 1 tell Matildy, it don't do no harm to 
be cheerful. The world wa'n't made in a minute, an' 
things'U come out all right if we jest give 'em time. But 
then, goodness knows, Matildy don't need much preachin'. 

Lucy. She's a pretty dutiful daughter, I suspect. 

Zenas {decisively). She's a real good girl, if I do say it 
— and ambitious, too. Why, she works like a beaver along 
with her studies an' 

Lucy {with sufprise). Studies? 

Elisha {chuckli?ig). He, he, he ! Guess civil engi- 
neerin's goin' to be her spesh-e-al ily, ain't it? 

Zenas. Go 'long, 'Lisha! What ye talkin' 'bout? 

Elisha. What be 1 talkin' 'bout? Wall, I cal'late you 
ain't so turrible innocent. Seems to me I've heerd some- 
wheres that this here young Lothrop's jest a teeny bit sweet 
on Zenas Bradley's daughter — seems as though I've heerd it. 

Zenas {sarcastically). Seems as though you've *' heerd " 
about all that's went on in these parts — an' talked about it, 
too. 

Lucy {applauding). Bravo, Mr. Bradley, bravo ! Do 
you know, I think men are every bit as fond of gossip as 
women are. 

Zenas. Some on 'em be, I'll admit. 

Elisha {disdainfully). Huh ! Women's alius a-med- 
dlin' 

Lucy. Well, I for one haven't the slightest interest in 
other people's affairs. {Naively.) Besides, Matilda will 
tell me all about it ! Oh, I'm just dying to have a good 
talk with her ! {Starts toward door r.) 

Elisha (^rising quickly). Wait ; wait a minute, Miss 
Lucy. 

Lucy {turning). Yes, Mr. Dinsmore, what is it? 



• RIVERSIDE FARM 9 

Elisha. Seems as though I've heerd your Aunt Laviny 
was turrible sot agin sellin' the farm to this new paper com- 
pany. Don't know nothin' 'bout it, do ye ? 

Lucy {innocently'). Goodness ! How should I ? Aunt 
Lavinia isn't very communicative on business matters. 

Elisha {j-uefiilly). Y-e-s, I know. Reckon young Loth- 
rop's been tryin' to buy the old place, though — been tryin' 
real hard, ain't he? 

Lucy {sweetly). Really, Mr. Dinsmore, I cannot say. 
You'll have to ask Aunt Lavinia. 

{Exit Lucy, r. Zenas closes door after her. ) 

Zenas. Ha, ha, ha ! Guess ye met your match that 
time, 'Lisha. Didn't find out a whole lot, did ye? 

(Zenas returns to his work behind coimter.) 

Elisha. Oh, I dunno ! I found out 'bout Miss Laviny's 
consultin' Lawyer Holcombe. Cal'late little Miss Smartie 
didn't intend to let that information slip. But I guess I'm 
foxy enough to see how the wind's a-blowin'. 

{Returns to seat on box.) 

Zenas. Wall, I hope Lawyer Holcombe advised Miss 
Laviny to sell. 

Elisha. So do I. She's actin' so cont'ry I guess the 
law'U have to take a hand before the National Paper Com- 
pany gits a chance to build the new mill. 

Zenas. Wall, there ain't no question but what 'twould 
be a great thing for Spruceville. 

Elisha. That's right, an' I'll bedoggoned if I kin under- 
stand what Miss Laviny's a-drivin' at. Ain't a bit like her 
to git so pesky notional. 

Zenas. Yes, but she's fond o' Riverside Farm, an' like 
enough hates to see the old place flooded. 

Elisha. I s'pose the big dam would set the water back 
prutty considerable. Cover up about half the farm, I guess. 

Zenas. Yes, the best half, too; young Lothrop admits 
'twould jest about ruin the place. But then, he's offered 
Miss Laviny a whole lot more than the farm's worth. 

Elisha. I want to know ! An' she won't take it ? Wall, 
wall ! {Rises and crosses to r.) Ain't that jest like a 
woman? No idee 'bout business — ^jest notions an' feelin's 



10 RIVERSIDE FARM • 

an' sitch like. I swan I thought Miss Laviny was different, 
but I guess she ain't. Now old Squire Battles was fond 
enough o' Riverside Farm, but he was a leetle mite fonder 
o' drivin' a sharp bargain ; took considerable pride in the 
matter, as it were. I alius thought Miss Laviny was a 
powerful sight like her old dad, an' I never knowed her to 
let sentiment stand in the way o' business afore. 

Zenas. Wall, mebbe she's playin' a shrewder game than 
we cal'late she is. Lothrop says she didn't like it a mile 
when she heard what the president o' the paper company 
said about her. 

Elisha. She didn't, eh? Wall, what did he say? I 
ain't heerd nothin' 'bout it. 

Zenas. Ye ain't ? ( Comes from behind coimter a7id ad- 
va?ices to L. c.) Wall, he said Miss Laviny wa'n't nothin* 
but a woman, an' jest naturally didn't know how to manage 
her affairs ; said every woman who owned a ten-acre lot 
thought she had a gold mine. As for himself, he didn't 
propose to be held up by no cantankerous female ; said he'd 
find a way to build his dam in spite o' Miss Laviny. 

Elisha. I want to know ! Wall, what did Miss Laviny 
say to that ? 

Zenas. She said to jest let him try it, an' the day he 
began work on his old dam she'd have one o' them injunc- 
tions served on him quicker'n a wink. An' I guess he 
thought she meant it too, for there ain't no dam there yet, 
an' Lothrop is still dickerin' with Miss Laviny. 

Elisha. Do tell ! Wall, I guess the company must set 
quite a store by young Lothrop, 'lowing him to make all the 
'gotiations. 

Zenas. I guess they do. Why shouldn't they? He's 
a mighty bright young fellow, an' if honesty an' persever- 
ance count for anything, he's bound to win. (^Enter Harry 
Lothrop, c.) Hello ! Here's your chance to ask him all 
about it. Good-mornin', Harry. 

Lothrop (advancins^ to c). Good-morning, Mr. Brad- 
ley. Ask me all about what ? 

Zenas. Oh, 'Lisha wants to do a little interrogatin', I 
fancy. 

Lothrop {Jiumorously). Can it be possible ? 

(^He stands looking at door, looking off r.) 
Zenas, Yes; he 'lows you're a prutty valuable asset o' 



RIVERSIDE FARM II 

this here National Paper Company. I was telHn' him he 
better git your idees on the subject. 

LOTHROP. Well, I'd prefer somebody else's opinion, my- 
self,^ but if I'm compelled to confess the truth, I'm afraid 1 
don't stand in very high favor with the powers that be — ^just 
now, at least. 

{He glajices out door, off k., occasionally, during following 
speeches. Crosses fo r.) 

Elisha (crossing to c). Do tell ! I want to know ! 
Why, what's the reason on't ? 

LoTHROp. I suspect it's no secret. Everybody knows I 
was sent to Spruceville to make the preliminary surveys for 
the dam and to purchase the farms which would be affected 
by the proposed construction. 

Elisha. Yes, I know. ( IVitiks surreptitiously at Zenas.) 
An* ain't ye done it ? 

LoTHROP. That again is no secret. You know perfectly 
well, Mr. Dinsmore, that Miss Lavinia Battles is bitterly 
opposed to the new enterprise. 

Elisha. He, he, he ! I've heerd it hinted as how she 
was a leetle mite stubborn on the subject. Guess what 
President Trent said didn't mend matters much. 

LoTHROP. Now look here, Mr. Dinsmore, I can't discuss 
Mr. Trent's affairs, you know. 

Elisha. Oh, don't git touchy. We all know Titus 
Trent's opinion o' Miss Laviny. I must say, though, 1 
didn't expect he'd show his feelin's quite so plain. Cal'late 
he must be gittin' prutty old an' crabbed. 

LoTHROP. Not at all. He's very courteous usually, and 
he isn't old either — forty, perhaps. 
Elisha. Married, I s'pose. 

LOTHROP. No. 

Zenas. Why, 'Lisha, didn't I tell ye what he said 'bout 
women? — said they was idiots where business is concerned, 
an' I guess business is the only thing that appeals to Titus 
Trent. 

Elisha. Wall, I'd jest like to see him once. 

LoTHROP. You'll certainly have the opportunity. He's 
coming here to-day. 

Elisha. No? Ye don't say ! 

LoTHROP. Yes ; his nephew Maurice Van Derzee wired 



12 RIVERSIDE FARM 

me yesterday that he and Mr. Trent expected to reach 
Spruceville this morning. 

Elisha. Is that a fact? Why, it's almost train time 
now. 

LoTHROP. Oh, they're not coming by rail. 

Elisha. Ain't they? 

Zenas. O' course not ! Seems as though ye're dreadful 
old-fashioned, 'Lisha. None o' them magnets, or whatever 
ye call 'em, travel in the *'choo-choo" cars any longer. 
They own big automobiles, an' come an' go whenever they 
please. 

Elisha. I want to know ! 

LoTHROP {laughingly). You've got another guess, Mr. 
Bradley. Motor-cars are altogether too antiquated for these 
kings of finance. Listen. Titus Trent and his nephew are 
coming to Spruceville like eagles — on the wing. 

Zenas. What ! Ye don't mean to say they can fly ! 

LoTHROP. Assuredly. They're regular aeronauts. 

Zenas. But — but 

Elisha. Je-ru-sa-lem, Zenas ! They're comin' in a 
flyin'-machine ! 

LoTHROP. Exactly — in an aeroplane. 

Zenas. Wall, wall ! Don't that beat the Dutch? 

Elisha. Ye bet it does ! My, but I'd like to git a look 
at the pesky thing ! 

LoTHROP. Oh, you'll see it fast enough. Maurice Van 
Derzee is a spectacle for gods and men when he emulates 
the dicky-birds. 

Elisha. Is he the fellow that runs the air-ship ? 

LoTHROP. Yes — he's the aviator. 

Elisha. Do tell ! {Rises.') Wall, I guess I'll keep a 
sharp lookout so's not to miss the fun. He's likely to strike 
town any minute, I s'pose. 

LoTHROP. Yes; and I think you'll know it when he 
strikes. 

(Elisha goes to doorway c, and stands looking off R. 
Zenas returns to counter, a?id Lothrop crosses to L.) 

{Enter Matilda Bradley <7;/^/ Lucy, r.) 

Matilda. Come again, dear, when you don't have to 
hurry. 

Lucy. Yes, Matilda, I surely will. I'd stay longer now, 



RIVERSIDE FARM 



13 



but Aunt Lavinia must be ready. (^Observes Lothrop.) 
Oh, here's Mr. Lothrop ! {Advances to c.) Matilda has 
been telHng me the news, Mr. Lothrop, and 1 do want to 
congratulate you. 

Lothrop. Thank you very much indeed, Miss Ray. 

Elisha {frojn doorway^. He, he, he ! Guess some- 
body's let the cat out o' the bag this time. 

Lucy. Oh, bother ! 

Lothrop. Never mind, Miss Ray. It's really no secret. 
We're going to announce our engagement very shortly. 

Elisha. Wall, wall ! I 

Lothrop. Better watch out, Mr. Dinsmore. You don't 
want to miss that flying-machine. 

Elisha. By hockey ! that's so. {Looks off r.) Don't 
see nothin' on it yet, but there's Miss Laviny comin* down 
the street. 

Lucy. Really? Then I think I'll be going on to meet 
her. 

Elisha {excitedly'). Hold on ! There's a big spot over 
there on the horizon. 'Tain't a bird, an' 'tain't a balloon, 
nuther. See ! it's growin' bigger every second. By the 
great horn spoon, it's one o' them airy-planes, jest as sure 
as I'm a livin' crilter ! 

Zen AS {runni?ig to door). You don't mean it ! 

Elisha. Yes, I do. {Points upward and to r.) Look 
there. 

LucYo My ! isn't it exciting ? An air-ship in Spruce- 
ville ! 

{She moves toward doorway followed by the others.) 

Matilda. Oh, we're right up to date, I tell you. 
Lothrop. I should say as much. 

{Takes box from l. and places it at side of door. Matilda 
stands on box and looks over the heads of Zy.t>ias and 
Elisha. Lothrop and Lucy turn toivard c, and are 
less excited than the others. Lucy is at the right of 
Lothrop.) 

Lucy. Darius Green is vindicated. 
Zenas. Ye bet your life he is ! Jest look at the thing ; 
It's comin' like a streak o' lightning. 

Elisha. Gee whiz ! Ain't it a whopper? 
Zenas. Anybody in it ? 



l^ kiVEkSIDE FARM 

Elisha (^shading eyes with hand). Can't jest make Out. 
My eyesight's gittin' a leetle mite dim. What do you 
think, Matildy? 

Matilda. There are two passengers. 
Elisha. I want to know ! 

LoTHROP. Of course ! Titus Trent and his nephew. 
Matilda [turning toward Lothrop). Goodness gra- 
cious ! you don't mean that the president of the National 
Paper Company's coming to town ? 

Lothrop (^grijnly). Yes, that's exactly what I mean. 
Matilda {with surprise). But surely not in an aero- 
plane ? 

Lothrop. Certainly. He wants to astonish the natives. 
Matilda. Well, I must say he's astonished me already. 
Zenas. Look, look ! The old machine is droppin' to 
earth. 

Lucy {looking out doorway again). Yes, yes; they're 
going to alight. ' 

Lothrop. What ! Here in the square ? 
Zenas. Exacdy. Right in the middle o' the street. 
See ! The air-ship is floatin' down jest as easy as a feather. 
Elisha. Glory be ! Ain't she a picture? Looks like 
a great floppin' bird. 

Zenas. Guess Spruceville's goin' to be some surprised. 
Elisha. Yes, siree ! 'Tain't every day we harbor an 
airy-plane. 

Zenas. Watch her descend. Jest as gentle ! There! 
She's almost landed. 

Elisha. Sakes alive ! Miss Laviny's crossin' the road. 
She's right underneath the plaguey contraption. 
Zenas. By mighty ! She don't see it. 
Lothrop. Maurice Van Derzee is shouting to her. 
Lucy. She's looking up. 

Matilda. Mercy ! She's frightened half out of her 
wits. 

Zenas. There ! The air-ship has landed, and right at 
her very heels. 

Lucy {starti?ig as though to go out door c). Quick ! 
Let me go to her. 

Zenas {restraifiing her). No need on it. She's hur- 
ryin' this way. Guess she thinks the day o' judgment's 
come, an' that Satan's arter her. {Speaks off v..) Right 
this way, Miss Laviny; don't git flustered. 



RIVERSIDE FARM I5 

(^Enter Miss Lavinia Battles, c. Site is dressed elabo- 
rately ^ but zvith a touch of quaintuess, and has, for the 
moment, a somewhat dishevelled appearance. She carries 
a sealed and addressed letter in her hatid. Lothrop 
crosses to R., and Matilda comes down stage to L. Miss 
Lavinia comes forivard frorn doorway to c, with Lucv 
on her right and Zenas on her left. Elisha remains at 
door lookifig out. ) 

Miss Lavinia. Flustered? Well, I guess if two live 
men fell at your feet straight out of the open sky you'd be 
some flustered. I declare 1 don't know what this world's 
coming to. Nobody has any respect for anything. Don't 
you suppose if the Almighty ever intended to have men fly 
he'd have given 'em wings? 

Zenas. Mebbe so, MissLaviny; mebbe so. 

Miss Lavinia. Of course it's so. Oh, I've no patience 
with this age of motor-cars and aerograms and aeroplanes. 
I love the good old days, and I don't care who knows it. 
(^To Zenas.) Here, Zenas, mail this letter, please. 1 want 
it to go at once. 

Zenas {taking letter). All right. I'll 'tend to it right 
away. (^Glances at address on envelope.') H'm ! Brokers. 
That don't look very much like the old days. Goin' to take 
a leetle flyer in the stock market. Miss Laviny ? 

Matilda. There, there, pa ! If you read fewer postal 
cards and addresses and licked more stamps, I guess Uncle 
Sam's patrons would be just as well satisfied. 

Zenas. Eh? Oh, no offense. Miss Laviny ; no offense. 

{Goes back of counter ivith letter.) 

Miss Lavinia. Certainly not. I don't mind a moderate 
amount of curiosity. {To Lucy.) Lucy, look here. 

Lucy. Yes, Aunt Lavinia. 

Miss Lavinia (/// a loud whisper). Tell me, is my hat 
on straight? 

Lucy. Just a bit awry. Aunt Lavinia. {Straightens 
Miss Lavinia's hat and arranges her costume generally.) 
There; that's better. 

Miss Lavinia. Well, I wonder I'm not disjointed. It 
was a real gymnastic feat to avoid that aeroplane. Who are 
the people, anyhow, and where do they come from? 

Lucy. Don't ask me. Mr. Loihrop can tell you. 



i6 RIVERSIDE FARM 

Miss Lavinia {to Elisha). Have they anchored the 
air-ship in the street, Elisha ? 

Elisha. Yes ; and one o' the passengers is comin' this 
way. (LoTHROP goes to door c.) 1 guess he's the one they 
call the avy-ater. 

(Lucv moves to r. Miss Lavinia steps to front of counter 
and stands talking to Zenas across the counter. ) 

LoTHROP {looking out doorway). By Jove, you're right! 
It's Maurice Van Derzee. 

{Enter Maurice Van Derzee, c. He pauses in doorway. 
Elisha is at left and Lothrop at right of door.) 

Van Derzee. Beg pardon, everybody; my uncle, IMr. 

Titus Trent, wishes me to inquire ( Observes Lothrop.) 

Why, Harry, old man, you're just the chap I'm looking for. 
{Shakes hafids with Lothrop.) Did you get my telegram? 

{They come down stage to c.) 

{Exit Elisha, c.) 

Lothrop. Yes, and I observed your picturesque descent. 

Van Derzee. Oh, I'm the champion aviator all right. 
Came near colliding with a fair damsel as we landed, but 
shouted a warning just in time. Thought I saw the lady in 
question making tracks for this gorgeous emporium. If 
somebody will point her out I'd like to apologize. 

Lothrop. There's not the slightest reason why you 
shouldn't. Miss Battles is the person aggrieved. No doubt 
she'll be willing to absolve you. 

Van Derzee {disconcertedly). Oh, I say ! You don't 
mean Miss Lavinia Battles? 

Lothrop, The very same! {Takes him by arm.) 
Come along. You must be nice to her. Miss Battles, per- 
mit me to present Mr. Maurice Van Derzee, a very dear 
friend of mine and a nephew of Mr. Trent, the president of 
our com])any. 

Miss Lavinia. How-do you-do, young man? 

(Lothrop crosses to i,., and stands at Matilda's side. 
Van Derzee is at l. c.) 



RIVERSIDE FARM I7 

Van Derzee. Oli — er — er — very well, I thank you. I 
— 1 trust my aeroplane didn't alarm you — er — unduly. 

Miss Lavinia {advancing to R. c). Well, we're not ac- 
customed to flying-machines in Spruceville; I was startled 
for the moment, that's all. 

Van Derzee. Yes, these air-ships are a bit frightful at 
first. You'll get used to 'em, though. 

Miss Lavinia. Not if 1 know myself. We're plain 
country folk down here, Mr. Van Derzee, and we don't take 
kindly to innovations. Doubtless your uncle has learned as 
much already. 

Van Derzee. Ah ! You know Uncle Titus, then ? 

Miss Lavinia. My dear boy, don't act so innocent. 
Everybody understands why Mr. Titus Trent has come to 
Spruceville. He hopes to succeed where Mr. Lothrop has 
failed ; and I miss my guess if you don't know all about it. 

Van Derzee. By Jove, Miss Battles, you're awfully 
frank ! 

Miss Lavinia. I've no renson to be mysterious. Tell 
your uncle I anticipate our meeting with pleasure. 

Van Derzee. Do you really? I'll certainly tell Uncle 
Titus. He'll be delighted, I'm sure. 

{Enter Titus Trent, c, while Van Derzee is speaking.) 

Trent {advancing to c). He will, eh? Well, not if 
you keep him waiting out there any longer. That aeroplane 
has certainly made a hit with the natives of Spruceville. 
I've answered a million questions, I'll wager. Come, let's 
find young Lothrop and get busy. 

Van Derzee. I've found him already. {Indicates 
Lothrop.) This is Harry. You remember him, surely. 

Trent. Ah, yes — of course. How are you, Lothrop ? 

{They shake hands.') 

Lothrop. I'm first rate, thanks. Sorry I can't say as 
much of this dam proposition. 

Trent {lightly). Oh, we'll adjust the matter, never fear. 
I was a little angry at first, but there's nothing like a flight 
through the azure sky to cool one's heated passion. Tell 
me, have you arranged an interview ? When may we see 
this — er — gentle Amazon ? 

Van Derzee. Sh ! Miss Battles is right here. Let me 



l8 RIVERSIDE FARM 

introduce you, {Turns to Miss Lavinia.) Miss Battles, 
this is my uncle, Mr. Trent. 

(Miss Lavinia ack?ioiu /edges the introduction, with a slight 
obeisance. Van Dekzee moves up stage and stands lean- 
ing against coufiter. He is evidently impressed with 
Lucy, and watches her, though not obtrusively.') 

{^Exit Zen AS, c, in the direction of the aeroplane.') 

Trent {blatidly). My dear madam, I am charmed to 
make your acquaintance. Mr. Lothrop has mentioned your 
name so frequently of late that 1 feel we are not altogether 
strangers. 

Miss Lavinia. Do you, indeed ? I think I may safely 
return the compliment. 

Trent. By George, that's fine ! I predict we'll get on 
famously. 

Miss Lavinia. I hope so, I'm sure. 

Trent. So do I, Miss Battles — so do L Do you know, 
I was fearful you'd resent our endeavors to secure your land. 
So few women are able to take the larger view ! — to com- 
prehend the vast, impersonal forces at work in the financial 
world ! But it's different with you. You're far too wise to 
harbor the least bit of animosity. 'Pon my word, you're 
almost as — as broad-minded as — a man ! 

Miss Lavinia. Well, 1 declare ! You mean that for 
flattery, I sujjpose. 

Xrent {hastily). No, no! I'm in dead earnest. You 
see things in their right relations. You have a keen sense 
of humor, too. 

Miss Lavinia. Have I, actually? 

Trent. You surely have, and it's a mighty important 
possession, let me tell you. Now that talk about enjoining 
us from constructing our dam — that was what I call a bit of 
genuine jocularity. By George, when I heard it, it made 
me laugh like — like anything ! Do you know, I felt ever so 
good-natured, and from that moment I entered our little 
game with zest. 

Miss Lavinia. Really ? May I ask if you've enjoyed it ? 

(LoTHKOPyW//i- Van Derzee at counter.) 

Trent. By George, I have ! Oh, I don't mind con- 
fessing, Miss Battles, that you've got a little the better of 



RIVERSIDE FARM IQ 

me, thus far; but it's something nu woman ever did before, 
and, by George ! it's aroused my admiration. 

Miss Lavinia {dryly). Thanks. 

Van Derzee (^to Lothrop). 1 say, old man, introduce 
me, won't you ? 

Lothrop. Why, certainly. {Approaches Lucv.) Miss 
Ray, allow me to present Mr. Van Derzee. 

{They acknowledge the i?itroductio?i. Lothrop rejoins 
Matilda at l.) 

Van Derzee {coming forward). Miss Ray, this is my 
uncle, Mr. Trent. 

Trent. Glad to know you, young lady. {To Miss 
Lavinia.) a relative of yours, Miss Battles ? 

Miss Lavinia. Lucy is my niece. 

Trent. She's a very pretty girl. I thought she resem- 
bled you. {Indicates Matilda.) And this other young 
lady? 

Lothrop. Miss Bradley — Mr. Trent and Mr. Van Derzee. 

{T/iey bow.) 

Trent. There ! Now we're all acquainted. A nice 
little party, I declare ! Do you know, that's what I like 
about a country village — everybody knows everybody else. 
It's all so nice and cozy. Miss Battles, I trust my nephew 
and I may have the pleasure of calling at Riverside Farm a 
little later. We're quite eager to visit your charming home. 
Don't tell us we're not welcome, please. I'll carry a flag 
of truce along if you say so. 

Miss Lavinia. Oh, Lucy and I are not afraid of hostili- 
ties. Come by all means. We shall be glad to see you. 

Trent. That's awfully good of you, I'm sure. Now 
we're getting on ! 

Miss Lavinia {inscrutably). Do you think so? 

Trent. I'm confident of it. Why, I shouldn't be a bit 
surprised if we were able to settle our little differences quite 
— er — amicably. 

Miss Lavinia. Mr. Trent, pray don't labor under any 
misapprehension. Our differences are not trivial, and I 
warn you that any attempt at compromise will certainly 
fail. 

Trent. Dear me ! How emphatic we are ! 



20 klVERSlDE FARM 

Miss Lavinia. Riverside Farm has been owned by iny 
family for generations, and is very dear to me. 1 have 
been advised by competent authority that not a single acre 
of land can be taken from me without my consent. Why, 
then, should I entertain any of your propositions ? 

Trent. Why, indeed? Believe me, Miss Battles, 1 
understand your feeling perfectly. It's only natural, of 
course. But please bear in mind that we don't intend to 
ruin the place altogether, and it often happens, you know, 
that a bit of personal sentiment must be sacrificed for the 
welfare of the race. 

Miss Lavinia. For shame, Mr. Trent ! Do you think 
I have the least particle of sympathy with those grasping 
financiers who, for a few paltry dollars, would flood our 
meadows and turn the wooded mountains I love into bleak 
and barren hills ? 

Trent. Oh, we shall adopt the most approved methods 
of forestry, Miss Battles. The mountains will be wooded 
again in years to come. 

Miss Lavinia. Small good it will do us who are living 
to-day. Really, your notions of human welfare are dis- 
tinctly humorous. (^Imitates Trent.) By George, they 
make me laugh like — like anything ! 

Trent. Miss Battles, I'm sorry to have you treat the 
matter with levity. I've come to Spruceville to make you a 
very generous offer 

Miss Lavinia {scornfully). Generous offer, indeed ! Why, 
I suppose you think I'm going to prove a sort of female 
Esau, don't you ? Well, if you do, you may as well climb 
back into that ungainly air-ship of yours and fly away home. 
There are things that money can't purchase, Mr. Titus 
Trent. (^Impressively.') Riverside Farm is not for sale. 

(Miss Lavinia sta?ids near c. 7vith Trent 07i her left. 
LoTHROP is at extreme l., and Matilda is on his right. 
Lucy is at extreme R. with Van Derzee at her left.') 



curtain 



ACT II 

A Game of Checkers 

SCENE. — Interior of Miss Lavinia's home. The room is 
furnished somewhat quaintly, but in good taste. Writing- 
desk and chair at r. Empty vase or rose jar on desk. 
Table at l. Checker-board and checkers on table. Sofa, 
chairs, etc. Large double doors c, back, opetiing into 
garden. These doors are left open during the entire act, 
and ail entrances are made through the open doorway. 
There should be at least one other door in the sce?ie, but 
its location is not important. 

{At rise of curtain, Miss Lavinia is discovered seated at 
left, and Trent at right of table. They are playing a 
game of checkers. Only afeiv of Trent' s checkers are left 
on the board, and the moves in the game should be ar- 
ranged beforehand and carefully rehearsed so that Miss 
Lavinia may win at the proper time.^ 

Trent. It's your move, Miss Lavinia. {Hastily.') I 
beg your pardon, but it's so tremendously easy to call you 
that. Everybody else does, you know. 

Miss Lavinia. Oh, I don't mind — not in the least. 

Trent. You don't? Now, that's fine. And it's mighty 
good of you to invite us here. 

Miss Lavinia {moving a checker). Oh, we are glad to 
see you. There ! It's your turn again. 

Trent. So it is. {Contemplates the checker-board laith 
a puzzled air.) Well, well ! I guess you've got me cor- 
nered this time. I'm an awful duffer at checkers. Why, I 
haven't played the game in twenty years. 

Miss Lavinia. It's a good deal like the financial game, 
don't you think? 

Trent. Well, rather ! {Moves checker.) There ! Cap- 
ture that fellow if you can. 

Miss Lavinia {frowning). Urn! {After a pause.) I 
think I'll get him yet. {Moves checker.) 

Trent. You do, eh? Well, 'not if I know myself. 
{Deliberates a moment, then moves checker.) Ah ! {With 
consternation.) By George ! I 



22 RIVERSIDE FARM 

Miss Lavinia (^'jufuping'' Trent's checker, and remov- 
ing it fro7n board). The game is mine, Mr. Trent. 

Trent {dolefully^. Yes, 1 see it is. You're certainly a 
clever woman. Miss Lavinia. You've given me a neatlilile 
demonstration of strategy. 

Miss Lavinia (^quizzically). Don't you think you ought 
to profit by it ? 

Trent. Possibly. In what way would you suggest ? 

Miss Lavinia. Shouldn't it teach you not to underesti- 
mate my skill in that other little game we're playing, you 
and 1 ? 

Trent {feigning innocence). I don't believe I quite 
comprehend your meaning. 

Miss Lavinia (^smiling faintly). Don't you? I'll be 
more explicit, then. There's a big meadow lot down there 
on the river bauK not so very different, except in size, from 
one of the spaces here on this checker-board 

Trent. Ah ! I see the point. And if I attempt to 
occupy that square of land ? What then ? 

Miss Lavinia (^decisively). Our little game of checkers 
will repeat itself. Take warning, Mr. Trent. Don't make 
the fatal move. 

Trent. Ha, ha, ha ! By George, Miss Lavinia, your 
views are unique. 

Miss Lavinia. Are they? 

Trent. Indeed they are ! But like the views of most 
women, they're superficial. 

Miss Lavinia {with sarcasi?i). Actually ! 

Trent. As I told you once before, big enterprises are 
governed by immutable laws. If we obey those laws, we 
succeed ; if we oppose them, we're brushed aside like the 
human atoms we really are. 

Miss Lavinia (jvhimsically). I see. We're swept off 
the checker-board ! 

Tkent. Precisely. Only you mustn't forget that the 
Power behind it all isn't playing a game of any sort. Tlie 
end was decreed from the start, and whether we like it or 
nor, creation jogs along in the appointed w^ay. 

Miss Lavinia. Really ! And what is the appointed vv^ay, 
may 1 ask? 

Trent. Is there any question about it? Isn't life the 
one indispensable element of progress ? 

Miss Lavinia. I think so. That's one reason why I 



RIVERSIDE FARM 23 

want to keep that meadow lot. (^Confidentially.') Do you 
know, it yields ever so many bushels of potatoes. 

Trent {with disgust). Potatoes ! Food for a few 
hungry mouths, while my great industry would stimulate 
the minds of millions of people. 

Miss Lavinia. Is it possible ? What a public bene- 
factor you are ! 

'I'kent (^rising). Why, bless your soul ! I deserve no 
credit. I'm merely an instrument of Destiny, that's all. 1 
own a great newspaper, Miss Lavinia, and this new mill 
which we're going to build {smiling), down there on your 
checker- board, will exist simply to feed my printing-presses. 
Your forests will be turned to paper, the paper stamped with 
words, and those words carried to the four corners of the 
globe that men may have mental life and — er — have it more 
abundantly. (^Crosses to R.) 

Miss Lavinia. My ! That makes my little agricultural 
ambition look like pretty — small potatoes, doesn't it? 

Trent {emphatically). Of course it does. The greatest 
good to the greatest number — that's the way the tide of 
evolution's drifting, and it pays to go with the tide. 

Miss Lavinia. Pays in dollars and cents, do you mean? 

Trent. Yes, in dollars and cents. There are plenty of 
golden opportunities for the man whose eyes are open. 

Miss Lavinia. I dare say you're right. I expect your 
eyes are pretty wide open most of the time, Mr. Trent, and 
1 shouldn't be at all surprised if you'd found a way to make 
money out of this National Paper Company already. 

Tke^t {lauo^hing affectedly). Ha, ha, ha ! That's rich. 
Make money out of such a corporation ! Why, how could 
it possibly be done? Tell me how you'd do it, Miss La- 
vinia, and perhaps I'll try. 

{Sits in chair near desk.) 

Miss Lavinia. Well, let's assume that the value of the 
National Paper Company's stock depends a good deal on 
the ease with which the company acquires certain water 
rights. 

Trent. Certainly; that's a fair assumption. 

Miss Lavinia. And let's assume that you, the president 
of the company, foresaw from the first a little opposition on 
the part of a certain — what is the expression Lawyer Hol- 
combe uses ? — oh, yes ! — riparian owner. 



24 RIVERSIDE FARM 

Trent. Umph ! Meaning yourself, I suppose. 

Miss Lavinia. Exactly. Now just at the start before 
any opposition — er — developed, there would be a demaiid 
for the stock. 

Trent. Would there ? How so ? 

Miss Lavinia (^flatteringly^. Any venture that Mr. 
Trent approved would look good to the public, of course. 

Trent. Oh, I see. 

Miss Lavinia. And Mr. Titus Trent, who organized 
the company himself and didn't pay an exorbitant price for 
his shares, would be only too glad to dispose of a few choice 
certificates just to live up to his motto, ''The greatest good 
to the greatest number." 

Trent. Very clever. Miss Lavinia, very clever ! But 
granted that what you say is true — that I have already sold 
my stock — how do you account for my continued interest in 
the company ? 

Miss Lavinia {rising). Oh, the company's all right. 
You simply want to gather a few extra shekels while it's 
getting under way. And to accomphsh this result it's quite 
essential that the public lose faith in your industry. You 
invite trouble : it's part of the game. A young civil engi- 
neer without a particle of business experience is sent to 
Spruceville to purchase Riverside Farm. You know he's 
not the sort of person to succeed. If he 

Trent (rising'). But, my dear Miss Lavinia, Mr. 
Lothrop is an exceedingly efficient engineer. 

Miss Lavinia. Certainly. That's another example of 
your excellent foresight. You don't want his time entirely 
wasted. Well, what's the result? I refuse to sell my farm. 
Your work is held up. There's no immediate prospect that 
the dam will be constructed, and the stock of the National 
Paper Company goes to smash, just as you expected it would 
all along. 

Trent. Yes — that's a matter of ancient history. 

Miss Lavinia. I know it is ; but now we come to mod- 
ern times. {Moves to right of table.) The occasion for 
vigorous action has arrived. Mr. Titus Trent means busi- 
ness. Does he send a representative this time? Hardly. 
He comes himself — comes as the gods come, out of the 
open sky ; and he prates about human welfare and the duties 
of the individual to the race ! And the moment he secures 
an option on Lavinia Battles's meadow lot, his brokers will 



RIVERSIDE FARM 25 

buy up a controlling interest in the National Paper Com- 
pany, and they won't pay a tenth part of wliat ihe stock is 
really worth, or what Mr. Titus Trent originally sold it for. 
{Pauses as though out of breath.^ There \ 'i'hat's the way 
you money barons play financial checkers, or 1 miss my 
guess. 

Trent. By George, Miss Lavinia, you're a marvelous 
woman ! 

Miss Lavinia. No ; merely a sensible one. * 

{Turns and goes up stage to doorivay?) 

Trent, It's the same thing. But tell me, what reason 
have I to suppose you'll ever give me an option on that 
meadow lot? Your conduct hasn't suggested it thus far. 

Miss Lavinia {turning toward hini). Oh, you're not an 
imbecile. It's only a question of time. I can bother you 
some, of course; but you're bound to prevail in the end, 
and you know your own powers too well to doubt it. After 
all, there's something in what you say, and I guess I'm foolish 
to oppose you any longer. 

Trent {with astonishment^. Why, you don't mean ? 

Miss Lavinia. I mean that I'm getting tired of conflict, 
and I've half a mind to surrender. 

Trent. What ! 

Miss Lavinia. Yes, I mean just what I say. I expect 
an important letter this afternoon. If it comes, I'll give you 
a definite answer. 

Trent. Well, by George ! Talk about woman's con- 
sistency ! This is too easy. Where's Maurice? I must 
see him at once. 

Miss Lavinia. He's in the garden with Lucy. 

Trent. He is, eh ? Do you know, my nephew has 
taken a great fancy to your niece. He talks about her 
constantly, and seizes every opportunity to visit Riverside 
Farm. 

Miss Lavinia. Well, I guess Lucy doesn't find his at- 
tentions very — irksome. 

Trent. I'm glad— by George, I am ! She's a dear little 
girl, and I'd like to have her in the family. 

Miss Lavinia {smiling). Isn't that anticipating a little? 

Trent. Oh, I don't know; stranger things have hap- 
pened. Well, I don't like to disturb love's young dream, 
but I must certainly see Maurice. 



26 RIVERSIDE FARM 

Miss Lavinia. I'll ask Lucy to send him in. (^Calls 
off R.) Lucy ! 

Lucy {outside). Yes, Aunt Lavinia. 

Miss Lavinia {speaking off r.). Tell Mr. Van Derzee 
his uncle wishes to speak with him. {To Trent.) I sup- 
pose you're going to buy back that stock on the strength of 
my — er — capitulation, aren't you, Mr. Trent? 

Trent {evasively). Er — it's well to be prepared for 
emergencies. The last sales were absurdly low. 

Miss Lavinia. And the next will be absurdly high, 1 
suspect — that is, if 1 withdraw my opposition. 

Trent. Oh, very likely. Stocks are often erratic, you 
know. 

{Crosses to l. atid stands at left of table.) 

Miss Lavinia {moving to right of doorway). So I've 
been told. 

{Enter Lucy. She carries a large bouquet.) 

Lucy. Mr. Van Derzee has just received a telegram. 
He'll be in directly. 

Trent. A telegram ! What's up, I wonder. 

Lucy. I'm sure I don't know. Mr. Lothrop and Ma- 
tilda brought the message over from the village. 

{Crosses to r. a7id busies herself arra?iging flowers iti vase 
on desk. When she has finished she joins Miss Lavinia, 
7vho still stands at right of doorivay.) 

Trent. It's probably from Burroughs, the clerk of our 
corporation. 

Miss Lavinia. Maybe things aren't going just right in 
your absence. 

Trent. Maybe not. I 

{Enter Van Derzee. He carries an open telegram.) 

Van Derzee {to Trent). I've just had a wire from 
Burroughs. It's rather important, I think. 

Trent. It is, eh ? 

Van Derzee {advancing to c). Yes ; he says the sales 
of National Paper stock for the past few days have increased 
considerably. 

Trent. H'm ! How about the price? 



RIVERSIDE FARM 27 

Van Derzee. Ob, that's still very low. 

Trent. Good ! 1 was afraid our trip to Spruce vi lie 
would be regarded as a favorable omen. 

Van Derzee. Well, it looks as if somebody did regard 
it that way. {^Glances at Miss Lavinia doubtfully.^ Shall 
I speak freely ? 

Trent. Certainly. {Sfniles.) Miss Lavinia is quite 
expert in stock manipulation. Her advice may be valuable. 

Van Derzee. Very well. It's a pretty significant cir- 
cumstance, 1 think, that every share of stock sold during the 
week has been purchased by a single brokerage house. 

Trent. The deuce you say ! Why, that would in- 
dicate — 

Van Derzee. That some one is buying for control. 

Trent. By George, it can't be that* I've delayed too 
long ! Have you answered the telegram ? 

Van Derzee. Yes ; I've requested Burroughs to wire us 
the name of the purchaser as soon as the stock is transferred 
on the books of the company. 

Trent. That's right — that's right. I couldn't have 
done better myself. (JFitk a puzzled frown.~) But, by 
George ! I don't understand it. Perhaps I ought 

{Enter Zen as.) 

Zenas. Here's a letter for ye. Miss Laviny — registered 
an' special delivery, too. Gal' late it must be prutty im- 
portant. 

Miss Lavinia. Oh, it has come, then. Thank you very 
much. (^Comes forward to desk.') Where do I sign ? 

{Sits at desk.) 

Zenas (coming forward and indicating a place in a little 
book ivhich he carries'). Right there, if you please. 

Miss Lavinia. Here ? 

Zenas. Yes; that's right. Qs\.v$.'S,\.km-^\K writes 7iame 
in book.) Now sign the card. Yes; right on that dotted 
line. (Miss Lavinia signs card which he hands her.) 
That's correct. (Miss Lavinia returns book and card to 
Zenas.) Thanks. {Hands letter to Vi\?>?^\.k\m\^.) Here's 
the epistle. 

Miss Lavinia {opening letter). Ah ! It's the letter I 
was expecting. {To Zenas.) Won't you sit down? I 
know you'll be interested to hear the news. 



28 RIVERSIDE FARM 

(Miss Lavinia is seated at desk. Zenas is at her left. 
Trent stands near table, and Van Derzee is on his 
right. ^ 

Zenas {eagerly). The "news! 

Miss Lavinia. Yes. {Turns her chair toward front.) 
I've decided to sell the farm. 

Zenas. What ! Not to 

Miss Lavinia. To the National Paper Company — yes. 
Mr. Trent has convinced me that it's a duty I owe society. 

Trent {with surprise). You've really made up your 
mind, then ? 

Miss Lavinia. Yes ; this letter has banished all doubts. 

(Van Derzee yW/zj- Lucy.) 

Zenas. Wall, I cal' late it's a mighty wise decision. I'm 
sartin ye'U never regret it. 

Miss Lavinia. 1 hope not, I'm sure. 

Zenas. Guess I'll tell 'Lisha. He'll be dreadful relieved 
to learn ye're actin' so sensible. 

{^Exit through doorway, c.) * 

Miss Lavinia {to Trent). Are the terms I quoted Mr. 
Lothrop satisfactory ? 

Trent. Perfectly. I'll give you the company's check 
for that amount at once. 

{Sits at table, takes out check-book, writes check, rises, 
crosses to r., and hands check to Miss Lavinia.) 

Miss Lavinia {taking check). Thank you. {Takes 
document frofn desk.) Here's the deed. Lawyer Holcombe 
prepared it recently. 

Trent. Well, well! How expeditious! {Glances at 
deed.) All executed, too. I suspect your decision isn't 
quite as sudden as I thought. 

Miss Lavinia. Ahem ! {Imitates Trent's maufier.) 
It's well to be prepared for emergencies. 

Trent. So I perceive. (^Crosses to l., and sits at right 
of table.) H'm ! Let's see. {Reads portions of deed.) 
"Lavinia Battles of Spruceville," and so forth, and so 
forth, " to the National Paper Company, a corporation or- 
ganized and existing under the laws of the State of " 



RIVERSIDE FARM 29 

Um-h'm. {Mumbles words as though reading rapidly to 
himself.') '' A certain piece or parcel of land bounded and 

described " Um ! {Reads silently for a moment.) 

Seems to be all straight enough. I'll have our attorneys look 
up the title. No encumbrances, I suppose? 

Miss. Lavinia {nonclialantly). Oh, yes. 

Trent. Eh? What? 

Miss Lavinia. There's quite a large mortgage, but I'm 
going to discharge it with the money you've paid me. 

Trent. A mortgage ? 

Miss Lavinia. Exactly. I had to raise a pretty sub- 
stantial sum of money the other day. Zenas was right 
about that flyer in stocks. Lawyer Holcombe advised me 
to 

Trent {grimly). I think I'll have to make the ac- 
quaintance of this Lawyer Holcombe. I'm not sure that he 
isn't responsible for many of my troubles. 

Miss Lavinia {^rising). Troubles? Why, you've got 
the land, Mr. Trent, and I give you my word that this 
mortgage sha'n't bother you a bit. What more do you 
want ? 

Trent. Oh, I'm not worrying about the mortgage. 
I've got more important things in hand just now. I 
must 



Miss Lavinia {sweetly). Get control of the National 
Paper Company, mustn't you? 

Trent {rising). By George, Miss Lavinia, your con- 
duct is perfectly incomprehensible. First you warn me not to 
occupy that meadow lot, and declare you'll sweep me off the 
checker-board if I try. The next instant you do a little 
hocus-pocus act, and out pops a deed of your entire property. 
Do you mind telling me what your game really is? 

Miss Lavinia. Not in the least. It's a sort of checkers, 
and my conduct isn't half as inexplicable as it seems. I 
haven't renounced my ambition to win the game — not a bit 
of it ! But before you can sweep your opponent off the 
board, he's got to make a move, hasn't he ? 

Trent (doubtfully). I suppose so. 

Miss Lavinia. Very well, then. You've just accepted 
a deed of Riverside Farm for the National Paper Company. 

Trent. I certainly have. 

Miss Lavinia. Now can't you see that in taking that 
deed you've given me just the opportunity I've been waiting 



30 klVERSlDt FARM 

for? — an opportunity to put you to utter rout. Don *t you 
realize what a stupid, silly move you've made? 

Trent. No, I'll be hanged if 1 do ! Maybe I'm dense, 
but Well, 1 haven't any time to waste in solving rid- 
dles. (^Turns to Van Derzee.) Maurice ! 

Van Derzee (^co?ni?ig fo?'ward to c). Yes, Uncle Titus. 

Trent. Get into the air-ship and start for New York at 
once. Buy a controlling interest in National Paper as 
quickly and as quietly as possible. 

Miss Lavinia. Well, well ! I didn't make such a bad 
guess after all. (^Returns to seat at desk.') 

Trent {to Van Derzee). Don't let it be known that 
I'm figuring in the deal. Create the impression that we 
can't secure the water privileges, and that I'm going to un- 
load. The public still thinks I'm in control. 

Miss Lavinia. My, but this is an education in high 
finance ! 

Trent {conthiuing). Employ a dozen different brokers. 
You know how to work the game. Now fly, my boy, fly ! 
There's not a minute to lose. 

Miss Lavinia {rising). One moment, Mr. Trent. I 
don't want your nephew flying off on a wild-goose chase. 
It's only fair to tell you that all the brokers in Christendom 
couldn't purchase a controlling interest in the National 
Paper Company. 

Trent. Couldn't, eh? Well, why not, if you please? 

Miss Lavinia. Because I've got a certificate for the 
majority of the shares right here in this envelope {taki?ig 
letter from desk), and it's not for sale. 

Trent. Why, what — what are you talking about? Have 
you lost your senses ? 

Miss Lavinia. I was never more sane in my life. {Takes 
certificate from envelope.) See? It's an innocent-looking 
document, but it cost a lot of money. Why, I had to mort- 
gage the farm and sell some of my other stocks to buy it. 
I'm sorry it doesn't bear the autograph of President Trent. 
The vice-president's signature isn't nearly so distinguished 
looking. Maybe it's just as effectual, though. 

Trent. Well, I'll be 

{Enter Lothrop and Matilda.) 

Lothrop. a telegram for Mr. Trent. 
Trent {impatiently). Yes, yes; where is it ? 



RIVERSIDE FARM 3t 

LoTHROP {producing telegram). Here it is. 
Van Derzee. Let me read it for you, Uncle Titus. 
Perhaps it contains bad news. 

Trent. All right. (^Crosses to left of table.) Go ahead. 

(Van Derzee takes telegram from Lothrop and opens it. 
LoTHROP, Matilda and Lucv remain standing 7iear 
doorway. Van Derzee advances to c.) 

Van Derzee (looking at telegram). It's from Burroughs. 

Trent. Well, well ! What does he say? 

Van Derzee. Patience, Uncle, patience ! He says that 
a certificate for the majority stock of the National Paper 
Company was issued yesterday to Lavinia Battles of Spruce- 
ville. 

Trent. What ! Why, it — it can't be true. You're 
joking. Yes, yes ; that's it — a practical joke. Ha, ha, ha ! 
Don't you remember, I said Miss Lavinia had a sense of 
humor; and, by George, you're all in league with her! 
Oh, I've found you out, you rascals ! 

(Miss Lavinia crosses to l., and stands at right of table. 
Van Derzee crosses to r., and stands fiear desk.) 

Miss Lavinia. No, Mr, Trent, you're wrong. This 
isn't a practical joke. Just as sure as you're alive the 
destiny of the National Paper Company rests in my hands. 

Trent. What ! In the hands of a woman ! 

Miss Lavinia. Yes, in the hands of a cantankerous 
female. That's what you called me, isn't it ? Well, I 
guess you've got to reconstruct your notions about the 
gentle sex. Some of us who own ten-acre lots know how to 
turn them into gold mines. 

(^Enter Elisha.) 

Elisha. How-d'y-do, Miss Laviny ? Zenas says 

Mi:ss Lavinia. Come right in, Elisha. I want you to 
spread the news, and I guess you're pretty expert in that 
capacity. 

Ei.iSHA {grifining). Wall, I alius try to do my best. 

Miss Lavinia. Tell all your neighbors and friends that 
I've sold the old homestead to the National Paper Company. 
The free and unlimited right of flowage is theirs, the dam 
will be constructed at once, a gigantic mill erected on yon- 



32 . RIVERSIDE FARM 

der river bank, and the wealth of the eternal hills will be 
ground to pulp that ** men may have mental life, and — er — 
have it more abundantly " ! 

Elisha, Well, I'll be doggoned ! 

Van Derzee. Shades of Croesus ! Once that report 
strikes the market, the price of National Paper slock will 
bump the rafters. 

Miss Lavinia. Of course it will. It can't be stopped — 
at least, not by mere <* human atoms." 

Matilda {to Lucy). Land sakes alive ! What is your 
Aunt Lavinia talking about ? 

Lucy. Goodness me ! I haven't an idea. 

Miss Lavinia. Oh, it's very simple, girls. {Mimicks 
Trent.) **Big enterprises are governed by immutable 
laws," aren't they, Mr. Trent? 

Van Derzee. Great Jupiter ! Talk about gold bricks ! 
Uncle Titus, we're a couple of jays, that's what we are. 
{Laughs grimly.') Ha, ha, ha! We thought we'd gather 
honey down here in the country amid the flowers and the 
bees. And instead — we're stung for our pains ! Come, let's 
spread our poor clipped wings and flutter back to old 
Manhattan. 

Lucy {coming forivard impulsively). Oh, Mr. Van Der- 
zee, surely you're not going to leave us so soon ! 

Van Derzee. Depend upon it. Miss — Miss Lucy, I — 
I'd much rather remain in Spruceville if I could. You've 
been no end jolly, and I — I like you immensely. By Jove, 
I do ! But Uncle and I are altogether too innocent. Really, 
we ought not to be at large. {To Trent.) Speak np. 
Uncle Titus. It's so, isn't it? We've been 

Trent {gazing at Miss Lavinia with mingled afnazetnent 
and admiratiofi). Buncoed — by — a woman ! 

(Trent is at left and Miss Lavinia at right of table. 
Van Derzee stands 7iear desk, and Lucy is on his left. 
Matilda and Lothrop are in doorway, and Elisha is 
at left of doorway.) 



curtain 



ACT III 

Cupid Forms a Trust 

SCENE. — Miss Lavinia's garden. Entrances at r. and l., 
well back. House or set cottage at r. Rustic benches 
at R. and l. View of a river in the distance, if prac- 
ticable. No particular setting is essential, but if the stage 
facilities permit, there should be flowers in profusion, 
and the scene should suggest the typical old fashioned 
fioiver garden. 

{At rise of curtain, Lucy, carrying a basket of apples, 
enters from L., and is tnet by Van Derzee, luho ap- 
proaches from R.) 

Van Derzee (cordially). How-do-you-do, Miss Lucy ? 
Lovely morning, isn't it? 

Lucy. Indeed it is, Mr. Van Derzee. {Quotes.) 

*' Just as lovely a morning as ever was seen 
For a nice little trip in a flying-machine." 

Van Derzee. By Jove, you're right ! It's far too glori- 
ous to be tied to earth. One feels like expanding, some- 
how. 

Lucy. Well, there's lots of room up there in the sky. 

Van Derzee. Yes, that's so. See, there isn't a cloud 
anywhere, and the aeroplane is waiting. Come, let's leave 
this prosaic old world for a while, and sail off into the — er 
— cerulean depths like — like two happy skylarks ! Come — 
what do you say ? 

Lucy {laughing). Thank you, Mr. Van Derzee, not this 
morning. I'm afraid we'd come down like poor Darius Green 

*'In a wonderful whirl of tangled strings, 
Broken braces and broken springs." 

Van Derzee. Why, you've learned that old yarn by 
heart, haven't you ? 

33 



34 



RIVERSIDE FARM 



I.UCY, Yes. Aunt Lavinia and I repeat it every time 
we're tempted by you or Mr. Trent to venture into the air- 
ship. 

Van Derzee, Oh, you need have no fears. Uncle Titus 
and I understand the gentle art of aviation. Times have 
changed since poor old Darius buckled on his wings. 

Lucy. Yes, that's true. Everything goes soaring nowa- 
days. 

(^Sits on bench, l., placing basket of apples beside her.) 

Van Derzee. Even the price of National Paper stock. 

Lucy. Ha, ha, ha! Wasn't Aunt Lavinia clever? I 
tliought you and Mr. Trent were going back to New York 
in deep humiliation. 

Van Dekzee. Well, we were a bit chagrined. Who 
wouldn't be? But this morning Uncle Titus is lost in ad- 
miration at Miss Lavinia's strategy. Why, he can't talk of 
anything else. Really, 1 believe the poor old duffer's in 
love. 

Lucy {eagerly). In love? Not with Aunt Lavinia? 

Van Derzee. Yes, with your Aunt Lavinia. And, by 
Jove, 1 don't blame him either ! 

Lucy. Oh ! Then you're fond of Aunt Lavinia? 

Van Derzee. Tremendously ! {Significantly.) She's 
your aunt, you know. 

Lucy. Yes, 1 know. 

Van Derzee {after a pause). Of course I — I don't be- 
lieve there's anybody anywhere that's — that's half as — as nice 
as you are. 

Lucy {shyly). Why, Mr. Van Derzee ! 

Van Derzee {adva?icing toward her). Oh, yes, it's so. 
To tell the truth, I didn't want to come to Spruceville. 1 — 
I thought it'd be dull and — and uninteresting here ; but 
Uncle Titus insisted, and, by Jove, I'm glad he did, for 1 
shouldn't have known you otherwise. {Places basket on 
ground and sits on bench beside her.) You remember that 
first morning when I saw you at Mr. Bradley's store — why, 
1 just knew I'd met my fate. Didn't you feel that way, 
too ? 

Lucy. Why, I don't know. Y-e-s, I guess I — I did a 
— a little. 

Van Derzee. And don't you care for me ? Couldn't 
you " 



klVERSlDE FARM 3^ 

Lucy. Why, Mr. Van Derzee, I've known you such a 
little while, 1 

Van Derzee. Don't you believe in love at first siglit? 
I do. 

Lucy. I — I'm not sure. Perhaps 

{^Eiiter Miss Lavinia/V^^w house.') 

Miss Lavinia {speaking as she enters). Lucy, where in 
the world are those apples? (^Observes Van Dekzee, iv/io 
rises quickly.) Oh, good-morning, Mr. Van Derzee. 

Van Derzee {slightly confused). Ah — good- morning, 
Miss Battles. 

Miss Lavinia. I don't like to interrupt your visit, Mr. 
Van Derzee, but Lucy and I are going to make pies — apple 
pies — this morning, and I guess somebody hasn't hurried 
very fast with the apples. 

Lucy (rising). I'm awfully sorry you've had to wait, 
Aunt Lavinia. 

Miss Lavinia {laughingly). Yes, you look repentant. 

Van Derzee {recovering his co?nposure). Oh, I say ! 
I'm a crackerjack at peeling apples. I'd like to help — hon- 
estly I would. Let me take your place, Miss Lavinia. 

Miss Lavinia {with mock severity). Miss — what ? 

Van Derzee {disconcertedly). Oh, by Jove ! I've done 
it now. You'll never forgive me. Such familiarity is — is 
unpardonable. {Audaciously.) But really you look so — so 
young and — and pretty it's the most natural thing in the 
world to call you Miss Lavinia. 

Miss Lavinia {smilins^). Well, I guess you're Titus 
Trent's nephew, fast enough. 

Van Derzee. Oh, I mean it — truly I do. 

Miss Lavinia. There, run along ! Make apple pies if 
you want to. 

(Lucy crosses to r. , and sta?tds in doorivay. ) 

Van Derzee. Thanks awfully. {Mischievously.) By 
the way, Uncle Titus is coming over this morning. 

Miss Lavinia. I know he is. He's on the way now. I 
saw him from the kitchen window. 

Van Derzee {significantly). Ah-ha ! Then it's time 
for us to make — apple pies. {Takes basket and joins 
Lucy. Miss Lavinia crosses to l.) Farewell ! {Enter 
Trent, r.) Oh, here's Uncle Titus ! {To Miss Lavinia.) 



36 RIVERSIDE FARM 

He's awfully downhearted this morning. Don't be too 
severe with him — Aunt Lavinia ! 

(^Exeunt Lucy audNh'^ Derzee through dooi* of house.) 

Miss Lavinia. "Aunt Lavinia" ! Well, of all things ! 
Did you hear that, Mr. Trent? What does the rogue mean, 
1 wonder? He's dreadfully audacious. {Sits on bench, \..) 

Trent. Most rogues are. I wish 1 dared to be. 

Miss Lavinia. I've noticed your timidity. But after all 
your nephew has a winsome way with him. 

Trent. I wonder if he takes it from his Uncle Titus? 

Miss Lavinia. Well, if he took anything worth while 
from his Uncle Titus he'd have to fight for it, that's 
certain. 

Trent. Oh, I don't know ! Am I so awfully bel- 
ligerent ? 

Miss Lavinia. Aren't you? 

Trent. Why — no. I've always flattered myself that I 
have an extremely pacific disposition. 

{Sits on bench, r., placing hat and stick beside him.) 

Miss Lavinia. H'm ! If the truth were known, I'll 
wager you're planning all kinds of warlike maneuvers this 
very moment. 

Trent {innocently). Dear me ! Why should I be plan- 
ning anything of the sort ? 

Miss Lavinia. Because you want to control the National 
Paper Company. 

Trent. Granted. But why be pugnacious about it ? 
That isn't the way the modern financier attains his ends. 
By the way, what's the price of the stock this morning ? 

Miss Lavinia. I'm sure I don't know. I haven't any 
to sell, and if I had, I'd sell it in the market where free 
competition determines the price. 

Trent {smiling). You talk like a book on economics. 
Haven't you heard that men don't find competition healthy 
nowadays ? 

Miss Lavinia. Yes; but I'm not a man. 

Trent {rising). No; I know you're not. You're a 
woman, and, by George, you're the queen of your sex ! 
{Humbly.) Miss Lavinia, I — I want to apologize for all the 
unkind things I've said of you. My only excuse is that 1 — 
I didn't understand. I'm a pretty crusty old bachelor, and 



klVERSIDE FARM ^f 

I haven't seen much of women. I didn't su|)i)ose the Creator 
made 'em like you. And, by George, 1 guess he doesn't ! 
I guess you're the exception that proves the rule. 

Miss Lavlnia. What arrant nonsense ! 
Trknt {advancing toiijard he r^. The very first moment 
I set eyes on you, 1 — 1 felt somehow that you were different 
from the other women 1 had known. And even before that, 
when Lothrop wrote us about the stand you were taking, 1 
— I tell you I'was migiitily impressed. Of course, I didn't 
comprehend my feelings well enough to realize just what the 
trouble was, and that's how 1 happened to say — well, the 
things I said. You know the resuh : 1 came toSpruceviile. 
1 didn't really care about that meadow lot. I thought I did, 
but it wasn't so. Why, bless your soul, do you suppose I'd 
have risked my neck in that tipsy aeroplane if I hadn't 
wanted to make an impression in your eyes? The f^ict is — 
and 1 discovered it only yesterday — I — 1 — love — you 

Miss^Lavinia {gasping). You — what? 

Trent {rewlntely). 1 love you, Miss Lavinia. {Ab- 
ruptly.) Will you marry me? 

Miss Lavinia. Well, upon my word ! So that's the 
way of modern finance, is it ? When competition proves 
too expensive, just combine. And matrimonial combina- 
tion too ! Well, I like your assurance ! 

Trent. I'm sorry, Miss Lavinia. I was afraid you'd 
misunderstand me. I'm a pretty unworthy old scamp, 1 
admit. But I'm sincere — truly I am. 

Miss Lavinia. My ! but you must be in desperate 
straits. You, a professed woman-hater, to talk of marriage ! 

'I'rent. Ah, but I've had a change of heart. 

Miss Lavinia. Have you, indeed? How interesting ! 

Trent. I'm not the same individual as when I came 
here. Why 

Miss Lavinia. Protestations are useless. I don't believe 
in magic, Mr. Trent. 

Trent. Don't you? Not even in the magical power of 
love? 

Miss Lavinia {siiaking her head doubtfully). I'm afraid 
you could never convince me that love has wrought a miracle 
in the case of Titus Trent. 

'I'rent {shreivdly). Do you want to be convinced ? 

Miss Lavinia. I — 1 don't know. Perhaps I do. 

Trent. Then I'll not despair. I'm pretty persistent, 



38 



klVERSiDE t'ARM 



Miss Lavinia, and I want you more than — than I can tell. 
I'm not going to try your patience any further. I guess the 
— the psychological moment hasn't come. But please con- 
sider wiiat I've said, and be good to me if you can. 1 think 
I'll be going now. {Goes to bench, r., and takes hat and 
stick.) Good-morning. 

{Starts up stage. Miss Lavinia rises, hesitates a momenty 
then turns quickly toward him.') 

Miss Lavinia. Wait, Mr. Trent. I 

(Trent turns.) 

{Enter Lucy and Van Derzee from house. Lucy carries 
a long apple-paring in her hatid.) 

Lucy (vivaciously). Oh, Aunt Lavinia! Maurice has 
peeled the apple splendidly, and you know they say if you 
take a paring and swing it around your head three times like 
this {business of flourishing apple-paring), and then let it 
fall, it will form the initial letter of the name of the man 
you're going to marry. And, oh. Aunt Lavinia ! I did it, 
and — and what letter do you think it made? A perfectly 
magnificent *' V " ! 

Van Derzee. And that stands for <*Van Derzee," you 
know. I guess that's all just now except congratulations. 

Miss Lavinia. Well, 1 declare ! The spirit of combi- 
nation is certainly abroad this morning. 

Trent {coming forward). I hope it's contagious. {To 
Lucy and Van Derzee.) My dear children, you have my 
best wishes. 

Van Derzee. Thanks, Uncle Titus. 

Lucy {coquettishly). Yes, thank you so much — Uncle 
Titus ! 

Trent. Oh, by George ! Say that again. I hope it's 
prophetic. 'Pon my soul, I — I wish I were your uncle. 

Lucy. Well, you're surely going to be — one of these 
days. 

{Enter Lothrop and Matilda, r. Lothrop carries a 
telegram. Miss Lavinia is at l., Trent at L. c, Lucy, 
c, and Van Derzee, r. c.) 

Lothrop. Another telegram, Mr. Trent. 

Trent {irritably). Hang the telegrams 1 I'm not doing 



RIVERSIDE FARM 39 

business this morning. (7> Van Dekzee.) You may read 
it, Maurice, if you like. 

(LoTHROP hands telegram to Van Derzee, a7id remains 
standing on /lis right. Trent places his stick on 
bench, l.) 

Matilda {to Lucy). Why, Lucy dear, how happy you're 
looking ! {Advances toward Lucy. ) 

Lucy {shy/y). I — [ am happy. Let me whisper some- 
thing. {Whispers to Matilda.) 

Matilda {i?icreduiously). No ? 

Lucy {iwdding). Um-h'm ! Oh, Matilda, isn't it splen- 
did ? 

Matilda {rapturously). Oh, perfectly lovely ! 

(They embrace and then withdraw to bench, r., where they 
seat themselves.) 

{Enter Zen as, r. He carries a letter.) 

Zenas. 'Morning, Miss Laviny. Here's another one o' 

them special delivery letters. They're comin' thick an' 
fast nowadays. {Hands letter to her.) 

Miss Lavinia. It's from Lawyer Holcorabe. He went 

to New York day before yesterday to look after my — er — 
business affairs. 

Trent {with disgust). Lawyer Holcombe ! Oh, if I 

ever get my clutches on that fellow ! 

{Crosses to r., and joins Van Derzee. Lothrop ^;^^^<fi- /// 
stage to Lucy and Matilda. Zenas seats himself on 
bench, l.) 

{Enter Elisha, r.) 

Elisha {to Miss Lavinia). Wall, Miss Laviny, I've 
spread that news prutty promiscuous. Guess every one in 
Spruceville knows it now. 

(Van Df.rzee has opened telegram and read it during the 
above dialogue. Miss Lavinia has also read her letter.) 

Van Derzee. Yes, and they know it in the city, too. 
{To Trent.) Burroughs graciously informs us that Na- 
tional Paper stock has advanced forty points since yester- 
day. 



40 RIVERSIDE FARM 

Trent (^shrugging his sJiouldcrs'). Indeed ! 

{Turns a fid zvalks to extreme l., ivhere he stands with back 
toward the others.) 

Miss Lavinia. H'm ! And Lawyer Holcombe advised 
me to sell my stock when I could realize half that profit. 

Zenas {solicitously). Better sell it now, Miss Laviny. I 
cal'late it's worth a fortune. I'll telegraph your brokers if 
ye say the word. 

Van Derzee {trying to attract Trent's attention). 
Ahem ! 

Elisha. Guess ye ought to do as Zenas tells ye, Miss 
Laviny. ( Withdraivs to back of stage.) 

Miss Lavinia {with hesitatiofi). Why, I — I don't know 
what to do. 

Van Dekzee {nervously). No, no ; of course not. {Still 
trying to attract Trent's attention.) Ahem ! 

Miss Lavinia {reflectively). Lawyer Holcombe's advice 
has always been pretty practical. 

Zenas. It surely has. 

Van Derzee {as before). Ahem ! 

Miss Lavinia. There doesn't seem to be any real good 
reason why I should disregard it now. 

Zenas. None whatever. 

(Van Derzee crosses to Trent. Miss Lavinia crosses 

to R.) 

Van Derzee {with exasperation'). Come, Uncle Titus, 
surely you'll not allow that stock to be sold under your very 
eyes. Let me make an offer. Quick ! What shall it be ? 

Trent {turning). Gently, Maurice, gently ! I've made 
Miss Lavinia an offer already. The decision rests wiih her. 

Van Derzee. Oh, I don't want to interfere of course. 

Zenas {eagerly). What's the answer, Miss Laviny? 
Shall I telegraph the brokers? 

Miss Lavinia. Well, I 

LOTHROP {coming for7vard to c). Don't be hasty, Miss 
Battles. Depend upon it, Mr. Trent will give you a square 
deal. 

Miss Lavinia. Oh, I'm all at sea. I suppose it's awfully 
unbusinesslike not to take advantage of a rise in prices, 

Zenas. You bet it is ! ' 



RIVERSIDE FARM 



Miss Lavima. Still 



Van Derzee. 'I'hiiik it over, please. Don't sell the 
stock to-day — that is, unless you care to accept Uncle 
Titus's offer. 

Miss Lavinia. His offer isn't a very — liberal one. 

Van Derzee. Isn't it? Then perhaps I can persuade 
him to be a bit more generous. Anyway, I'll try. 

Miss Lavinia. Please don't trouble yourself. 

Van Derzee. No trouble, 1 assure you. 

Miss Lavinia. All things considered, I guess I ought to 
sell. 

Zenas {delightedly'). Good! I'll hurry to the telegraph 
office. 

Elisha {eagerly). An' I'll go too. 

(Zenas and Elisha start up stage toward r., but stop and 
turn toward front as Van Derzee speaks. Loth hop 
rejoins Lucy and Matilda. Miss Lavinia crosses 
to C.) 

Van Derzee {sharply). Hold on, Mr. Bradley ! {Turns 
toward Trent.) Are you crazy, Uncle Titus? {Places 
his hand on Trent's shoulder co?npelli?igly.) We can't let 
that stock escape us now. 

Trent {calmly). Really? 

Van Derzee {impatiently). It's no time to assume in- 
difference when your head is in the lion's mouth. 

Trent. Tut, tut, my boy ! That isn't very compli- 
mentary to Miss Lavinia. 

{Crosses to c, attd stands at Miss Lavinia' s side.) 

Van Derzee {turning toward Trent). Why, Uncle 
Titus, what ails you ? I never saw you act like this before. 
Don't you want to own that stock? 

Trent [quietly). My dear Maurice, I haven't the slight- 
est interest in the matter. 

Van Derzee. What ! 

Trent. The National Paper Company may go hang for 
aught I care. 

Van Derzee. Well, if this isn't the limit ! Here we've 
migrated to Spruceville like a bird with a broken wing; 
l)olstere<i up the old aeroplane every {t\\ miles and taken a 
new flight — all for the glory of a soulless corporation. And 



41 RIVERSIDE FARM 

now you say that that corporation may go hang for all the 
interest you've got in the matter. 

'1'kent. My dear nephew, don't be so turbulent, I beg 
of you. There's only one thing in the world 1 care about, 
and Miss Lavinia knows what that is. 

Miss Lavinia {looking at Trent steadily^. Titus Trent, 
is that the solemn truth ? 

Trent {returning her gaze). Miss Lavinia, it certainly 
is. 

{There is a brief pause ^ during which Miss Lavinia con- 
tinues to look searchingly at Trent. She turns at last 
as though satisfied with her inspection, and speaks de- 
cisively.') 

Miss Lavinia. Well, I guess most people would call me 
gullible, but I've come to the conclusion that you mean what 
you say. 

Trent {joyfully). Ah ! 

Miss Lavinia {to Zenas). Zenas, I've changed my 
mind ; you know it's a woman's prerogative. You may tell 
the neighbors that Mr. Trent and 1 are enemies no longer. 

Zenas {ivith surprise). What ! Ye don't mean that 
ye've buried the hatchet? 

Miss Lavinia. Yes, that's precisely what I mean. And 
— and, Zenas, I guess you may also tell them that — that 
Cupid has formed a trust. 

{She turns to Trent with hands extended, and he takes 
both her hands in his.) 

Trent {ecstatically). My dear Lavinia ! 

(Lucy, Zenas and Elisha come forward.) 

Lucy. Why, Aunt Lavinia, what has occurred? I — I 
don't understand. 

Miss Lavinia {shyly). Well, I — I'm not going to speak 
any plainer. 

Zenas. Wall, I cal'late you've spoken plain enough. 
Come, 'Lisha, let's tell the neighbors. 

Elisha. Tell the neighbors ? Ye jest better believe 
we'll tell the neighbors. Come along, Zenas — come along. 

{Exeunt Zenas and Elisha, r.) 



Riverside farm 



43 



Van Derzee. By Jove, tliis is just the best ever ! Wliy, 
we'll have a triple wedding. 

Lucy {excitedly). Oh, Aunt Lavinia, is that it? 
[Rushes to Van Derzee a7id takes both his hands im- 
pulsively.) Isn't it perfectly glorious? 

Van Dekzee. Indeed it is. 

(Matilda ^?;/^/ Lothrop come foj-ward.) 

Matilda. Oh, Miss Battles, I'm so glad ! Do tell us 
how it happened. 

Lucy. Yes, Aunt Lavinia, how did it happen ? 

Miss Lavinia. Oh, you imps of mischief ! Do you 
think I'd tell you — even if I knew? 

Matilda [beseechim^ly). Please do. 

Van Derzee. We're all in the trust together, you know. 

Miss Lavinia. Well, there really isn't anything — er — at 
all — exceptional to tell. [To Van Derzee.) You see your 
Uncle Titus is so — so masterful 

Trent. Masterful? Well, I like that ! 'Ponmyvvord, 
I've been as docile as a lamb. Why, this little woman has 
hectored and — and browbeaten and — outwitted me at every 
turn. And, by George, I love her for it ! 

Miss Lavinia. Well, everything has ended harmoni- 
ously. 

Lucy. We'll have a triple wedding, just as Maurice 
suggests. 

Van Derzee. Then we'll join the army of aero- 
nauts 

Trent. And sail straight to Paradise in the aeroplane. 

(Miss Lavinia is near c, with Matilda on her right and 
Trent on her left. Van Derzee is at extreme L., with 
Lucy on his right. Lothrop is at extreme r.) 



curtain 




Practical Elocution 

By J. W. Shoemaker, A. M. 

300 pages 

Cloth, Leather Back, $1.25 

This work is the outgrowth of 
actual class-room experience, and 
is a practical, common-sense treat- 
ment of the whole subject. It is 
clear and concise, yet comprehen- 
sive, and is absolutely free from 
the entangling technicalities that are so frequently 
found in books of this class. 

Conversation, which is the basis of all true Elocu- 
tion, is regarded as embracing all the germs of 
speech and action. Prominent attention is therefore 
given to the cultivation of this the most common 
form of human expression. 

General principles and practical processes are pre- 
sented for the cultivation of strength, purity, and 
flexibility of Voice, for the improvement of distinct- 
ness and correctness in Articulation, and for the 
development of Soul power in delivery. 

The work includes a systematic treatment of Ges- 
ture in its several departments of position, facial 
expression, and bodily movement, a brief system of 
Gymnastics bearing upon vocal development and 
grace of movement, and also a chapter on Methods 
of Instruction, for teachers. 

Sold by all booksellers, or sent, prepaid, upon re- 
ceipt of price. 

~~~ " ling Company 

Streat. PhiladelpbU 

One copy del. to Cat. Div. 



L/LX^ S't 191C 




DEC 20 1910 



014 211 882 8 

Do you want to be an Orator 

Do you want to be a Teacher 
of Elocution 

Do you want to be a Public 
Reader 

Do you want to improve your 
conversation 

Do you want training in Physi- 
cal Culture 

Do you want to increase your 
power in any direction 




A CATALOGUE GIVING FULL INFORMA- 
MATIOX AS TO HOW ANY OF THESE AC- 
COMPLISHMENTS MAY BE ATTAINED 
WILL BE SENT FREE ON REQUEST 



The National School of 
Elocution and Oratory 

Temple Building Philadelphia 



